WHEN FLORIDA STATE HAS THE BALL: Starting OT Brett Williams won't play because of a knee injury, and his backup, Alex Barron, won't start after breaking a bone in his right hand in practice. Todd Williams will move from tight tackle (always lines up next to the tight end) to split tackle, and redshirt freshman Ray Willis will play tight tackle. The shuffling could wreak havoc on the Seminoles' pass-protection and run-blocking schemes. QB Chris Rix, third nationally in passing efficiency, seems to be gaining his teammates' confidence, but he must avoid interceptions and fumbles today for FSU to stay competitive. Talman Gardner (11 TDs) and Javon Walker (21.4 yards a catch) are Rix's go-to receivers.

WHEN FLORIDA HAS THE BALL: FSU has no stars in its defensive front seven, and Gators TB Earnest Graham is having his best season. No team has been able to slow down Florida's passing attack; QB Rex Grossman has topped 300 yards in every game and has 30 passing touchdowns. An outstanding game against the 'Noles would put Grossman back in the mix with Nebraska QB Eric Crouch for the Heisman Trophy. FSU doesn't have cornerbacks who can cover Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell, let alone a third to cover Tallahassee native Taylor Jacobs.

THE BUZZ: FSU Coach Bobby Bowden has said it will take "a miracle" for the 'Noles to win. If the Seminoles (15 sacks this season) can't pressure Grossman, and Rix can't avoid turnovers, Bowden may be right. The Gators rank first nationally in total offense (549.2 yards per game), and the Seminoles are 44th in total defense (349 ypg). This is the first meeting in the series since 1989 (13 games) in which both aren't ranked in the top 10 at game time. UF is the only team in the nation in the top 10 in total offense and total defense, and the Gators lead the nation in touchdown passes (39) and fewest touchdown passes allowed (three). UF Coach Steve Spurrier is 4-8-1 against FSU; Bowden is 15-11-1 against UF.